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The news site went back to the council, who said the tree measures 40 feet.

They said in an e-mail on Saturday: "Just checked and the tree is 40ft."

That wasn't much of a surprise to the people admiring the tree on Saturday afternoon.

At 40 metres high, the tree was set to be taller than Rio's statue of Christ the Redeemer (Image: Wales Online)

It was also expected to be twice the height of the Angel of the North (Image: Wales Online)

"I think it's probably about 20m," said one.

"About 15 metres, roughly" guessed another.

"But it's a beautiful tree," said another.

A total of £10,000 will be spent every year for the next three years on the new artificial tree, WalesOnline reports.

But the council said the £30,000 cost for the three-year hire will result in a saving.

A passerby takes a photo of the £30,000 tree, situated in Cardiff city centre (Image: Wales Online)

The authority said last year’s tree came with a pricetag of about £15,000 – consisting of £10,000 for the tree itself, £2,000 to dress it up and £3,000 to install and then remove it.

A Cardiff council spokesman said earlier this week: “The artificial tree, sourced from China, is a 40m-high, tree-shaped structure covered in golden baubles with all decorations and illuminations pre-attached."

The spokesman added the artificial tree should be a 'spectacular addition to Cardiff’s Christmas offering'.

And for those of you who need reminding of that classic Spinal Tap moment where the band confuse their metrics ...